Photo Series: Jemez Springs, NM

Taking a brief break from the Generational histories, I’d like to share some fantastic current shots of Jemez Springs I came across this weekend. I’m sure many of my readers will enjoy them, and I would just like to thank the photographer, Julie Murphy (aka ravengirl1220), for generously letting me share them here.

The Adams family established roots in this little town when John Milton Shields, a medical missionary, came to establish the 1st Presbyterian Church in 1880, which still stands today. His daughter, Helen Belle Shields, was born at the Jemez Indian Pueblo (where she was postmistress for a time) and was fluent in the Spanish and Tewa languages.

1st Presbyterian Church
by Julie Murphy

Helen married John Amos Adams 16 July 1914  in Albuquerque, Bernalillo, NM. The family briefly relocated to Haverhill, Massachusetts in 1918, where my grandfather was born, but returned to the Southwest shortly after in 1919.

John Amos Adams retired from the Forest Service in 1946 after a career spanning 37 years, after which he devoted the years up to his death to an active interest in the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico. They owned the historic Adams house in Jemez Springs until his death in 1968.

1st Presbyterian Church
by Julie Murphy

John Milton Shields, along with his second and third wives and several children; as well as John Amos and Helen Belle Adams are all buried in the 1st Presbyterian cemetery in Jemez Springs.

Los Ojos Saloon
by Julie Murphy

I remember the stories my mother told of spending summers there with her siblings and cousins, living at the Adams House and running around town setting off fireworks, jumping off the Soda Dam and playing in the Indian Ruins (before they ever were recognized as landmarks).

Los Ojos Saloon
by Julie Murphy

The Laughing Lizard Cafe
by Julie Murphy

Soda Dam
by Julie Murphy

Growing up, my siblings and I spent many Easters, 4th of Julys and regular summer days in the Springs. We attended services and baptisms before the church was renovated and visited the graveyard when it seemed far too cold for flowers and skirts.

Battleship Rock
by Julie Murphy

I never appreciated it then like I do now – and living 1400 miles away, I don’t know when I’ll get to go back. It’s been more than twelve years since my last visit, and I really, really miss it.

Our dear Church is mentioned in the Jemez Village History here